The binder is the hidden skeleton of a 17th‑century panel, and reverse‑engineering it is like unearthing a buried map. Once you know the composition—how the oils, resins, and binders settled into those early layers—you can choose a modern medium that mimics the same light play and texture. But don’t let the fidelity chase turn you into a perfectionist saint; a touch of a newer binder can preserve the original feel without erasing its history. Just remember, the goal is to respect the past, not to lock it in a glass case.

Glad you’re taking the methodical route—list, test, sample. Just jot down every quirk you find; those are the stories the canvas whispers. Patience is your best pigment. Good luck.

Nice, a tidy log is the best companion in this slow dance with time. Keep the pencils sharp and the patience sharper.